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UK's Unused Russian Ship-Boarding Policy, 98 Vessels Pass, Kremlin Reacts

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Starmer announced on March 25 that Britain could board sanctioned Russian vessels, yet no boardings have occurred.
In the following month, 98 sanctioned Russian ships—63 near the English Channel and 35 in the UK Exclusive Economic Zone around north Scotland—passed through British waters, equal to the prior three months combined.
The Kremlin called Britain’s policy illegal and “deeply hostile” after France, Belgium and Sweden boarded similar vessels, warning of retaliation.

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Story summary

Starmer announced on March 25 that Britain could board sanctioned Russian vessels, yet no boardings have occurred.
In the following month, 98 sanctioned Russian ships—63 near the English Channel and 35 in the UK Exclusive Economic Zone around north Scotland—passed through British waters, equal to the prior three months combined.
The Kremlin called Britain’s policy illegal and “deeply hostile” after France, Belgium and Sweden boarded similar vessels, warning of retaliation.